Ellen Pompeo urges fans to halt anger over Grey’s Anatomy exits

Ellen Pompeo has urged fans to stop being angry following the announcement that Jessica Capshaw and Sarah Drew are leaving Grey’s Anatomy.

It was revealed last week that the actresses, who both joined the cast of the medical drama in 2009 as doctors Arizona Robbins and April Kepner respectively, will not be returning for a potential 15th season next year.

Following the news, it was speculated that series star Ellen’s $575,000-per-episode salary may have had something to do with the pair’s departure, which the actress shot down on Twitter.

Grey’s Anatomy boss Krista Vernoff also called any suggestion that Ellen’s salary was linked to the actress’ exits “wrong and hurtful and misguided”, but Ellen returned to social media on Sunday night (11Mar18) to once again address the claims.

“We R (sic) grateful all of you are so passionate but if you knew these two women the way I know them they would not approve of all this nastiness,” she tweeted. “They both are super shiny happy people. I know you’re angry but your representation couldn’t be further from who these women actually are (sic).”

One fan replied, “Aren’t we allowed to be angry at this injustice, though? Going to be two impossible holes to fill,” to which Ellen responded, “You are but spreading acceptance and love is our message with Greys and what all of the actors try to do with our performances on this show.”

According to Deadline, producers made the casting decisions at the beginning of the current 14th season, and Jessica and Sarah are the only series regulars leaving.

Both took to social media to express their gratitude to the much-loved program after their exits were announced.